Health effects of oral nicotine pouches vs. other nicotine products
Oral nicotine pouches may impact public health, according to a study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
In a scoping review, investigators examined the data — including product characteristics, use patterns, beliefs and perceptions, toxicity, and marketing and sales — from 62 studies focused on oral nicotine pouches. They found that about 1.5% of Americans currently use oral nicotine pouches, 9% to 21% of youths who have never used tobacco were susceptible to using the pouches, and 35% to 42% of adolescents have heard of the products.
Data from the studies suggested that oral nicotine pouches may contain fewer harmful chemicals and may deliver comparable or higher nicotine levels compared with cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The investigators were unable to determine cytotoxicity on the basis of mixed findings; however, data indicated that oral nicotine pouches may be less toxic than cigarettes.
Because 17 of the studies included in the review were industry funded, further data from independent research may be critical to better understand and validate the findings.
Read more: Nicotine & Tobacco Research
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